Empower us to deregister political parties: Election Commission to SC

In a bid to cleanse politics of criminal elements, the Election Commission has backed banning politicians from contesting polls if charges are framed in cases punishable by at least five years in jail with the caveat that cases should have been registered six months prior to elections. The EC has asked the Supreme Court to direct the Centre to amend the law and its affidavit states that the Representation of the People Act be amended to bar chargesheeted politicians facing trial in serious offences. The six-month clause is intended to prevent malicious action by political opponents.